Minnesota Twins: The 4 Twins With the Most to Prove in 2015
Mar 9, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Alex Meyer(51) throws a pitch during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Meyer
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Speaking of if not now, then when, we now come to Alex Meyer. Meyer was the big get in the trade that sent Denard Span over to the Washington Nationals. Much like Hicks, Meyer has all of the physical gifts but has not been able to harness them yet. He has already been optioned to AAA to start the 2015 season.
Meyer’s problem is not his stuff, it is that he cannot consistently hit the strike zone. A high nineties fastball and wipe-out slider do not do much good if you cannot get it over the plate. Phil Miller from the St. Paul Pioneer Press caught up with him and Twins General Manager Terry Ryan a few days ago. On Meyer, here’s what Ryan had to say to Miller:
"“He’s behind quite a few guys. We want to make sure we get him consistent work. Hopefully he can get it settled down. … It’s obvious he can strike people out. Now it’s a matter of not getting in so much trouble.”"
Meyer is well aware of his issues as well. Here is what he had to say:
"“I’m searching right now. I feel like there’s something mechanically going on.”"
The Majors is not the place to tinker and experiment, so it makes sense that he is heading back to the minors. The problem is that he is already 25 years old. At some point, it is sink or swim and I fear we are nearing that point.
Next: Nolasco